The AES Corporation (AES)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)
AES
The AES Corporation
$14.90
+0.47%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.69B
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$128.38
-1.46%
UTILITIES · Cap: $99.33B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 151% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $13.05B). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 14.3%. AES appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. AES earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
AES
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
DUK
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-37.3%
Fair Value
$11.97
Current Price
$14.90
$2.93 premium
Margin of Safety
-89.7%
Fair Value
$67.16
Current Price
$128.38
$61.22 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Earnings expanding 951.0% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
19.9% revenue growth
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AES
The strongest argument for AES centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 19.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : DUK
The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 27.5%.
Bear Case : AES
The primary concerns for AES are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 6.50 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AES profiles as a growth stock while DUK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AES carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.
AES is growing revenue faster at 19.9% — sustainability is the question.
AES generates stronger free cash flow (-597M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AES scores higher overall (73/100 vs 63/100) and 19.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
The AES Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA
The AES Corporation is a Fortune 500 company that generates and distributes electrical power. AES is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
Visit Website →Duke Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Duke Energy Corporation is an American electric power and natural gas holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?